NFL Week 1 Predictions: New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills

New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday, 9/8/13, 1:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: New England -6.5
Current Betting Line: New England -8.5
Opening Total: 49.5
Current Total: 51
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Patriots Jets AFC Playoff Preview — New England Patriots QB Tom Brady has enjoyed great success against the Buffalo Bills in his career

New England went 3-1 SUATS during the preseason, with the OVER cashing in all four contests. The Patriots will be focused on picking up their 10th straight opening day win, which can’t be ignored when making your pro football picks in Week 1. These two teams will meet for the 107th time, with the Patriots holding a 64-41-edge in the series, including 12 straight wins. Quarterback Tom Brady has led the team to 20 regular-season victories over the Bills—passing for 51 touchdowns in those affairs. New England is 9-4-2ATS on the road the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 10-5 in that situation.

The Patriots finished last year with a 12-4 record, but suffered a 28-13 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in the 2012 AFC championship game. New England has a new look on its roster, with tight end Aaron Hernandez being charged with murder, while wide receiver Wes Welker signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos during the offseason. Brady completed 401 of 637 passes for 4,827 yards with 34 touchdowns and eight interceptions a year ago.

Buffalo is definitely in rebuilding mode with first-round selection E.J. Manuel expected to make his first start at quarterback, but he does have some talented weapons surrounding him in the huddle. Bills running back C.J. Spiller rushed for a career-high 1,244 yards and averaged 6.0 yards per carry a season ago—matching the top mark in terms of rushing average in the league with Minnesota star Adrian Peterson. Leading wide receiver Stevie Johnson finished with 79 catches during his third straight 1,000-yard season in 2012. Buffalo is 4-7 ATS as underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 8-3 in that situation.

The Bills are hoping to be improved on the defensive end, as they switch to a hybrid 3-4 scheme under former Jets coordinator Mike Pettine. Buffalo will be without star cornerback Stephon Gilmore, which means the unit will have exactly zero reliable players at that position on the roster.